The story of Esther takes place in the city of Susa, in the winter palace of the Persian king. After King Xerxes divorced his queen he chose a young Jewish woman named Esther as his new queen. She was an orphan but had been adopted and cared for by her cousin, Mordecai, who was given a job as a palace official. Mordecai warned her not to tell anyone that she was a Jew, and she obeyed.
The king's highest official was a man named Haman. He hated the Jews, and he tricked the king into giving permission to have them all killed. The rest of the book tells how Esther risked her own life to save the lives of her people.
Afterward, Mordecai and Esther wrote a letter telling all Jews to celebrate the festival of Purim every year to remember how the nation was saved.
The Hebrew text of the book of Esther doesn't mention God, but the whole plot shows that God was protecting his people by making Esther queen, and as Mordecai put it:
It could be that you were made queen for a time like this! (4.14b)
Here are 3 Lessons and Commentary from the Book of Esther
A Silent Witness
1 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Esther 2.19, 20
For years, Esther had hidden the fact that she was a Jew. To do this she probably had to eat, drink, and act according to the customs of the unbelievers around her. Yet, as we will see later in the book of Esther, she managed to keep her faith in God alive.
Is it ever right to keep our faith in God a secret? At work, school, and even around certain family members, it is not always possible to talk freely about our faith. But that doesn't mean we should be ashamed of our faith or back down when there is an opportunity to stand up for what we believe.
We Will Not Bow Down!
2 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Esther 4.8-17
When Mordecai asked for Esther's help, he assured her that God was going to bring his people through the difficulties they faced. If Esther refused, then she would receive punishment along with the people who wanted to kill the Jews. But Mordecai also challenged Esther, Perhaps this was the reason the Lord had placed her in the position of being a favored queen.
It took courage and boldness for Esther to approach the king without being invited. She was literally risking her life. We, too, may have to risk all that is dear to us when we speak up for what is right. But, like Esther, we can be sure that the results of our efforts are in God's hands - even if it costs us our lives to do what is right. When we trust God, things in our lives don't happen by accident. You may be in the place where you are "for a time like this" (v. 14).
Hang On, Haman!
3 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Esther 5.9-14
Hama had great pride in his position and power, which is why he became angry at Mordecai's "lack of respect." Consequently, Haman made plans to have Mordecai hanged.
Pride often gives us an inflated opinion of our own importance. When someone else does not accept our ideas, anger may cause us to say or do foolish and destructive things. Many of our angry thoughts are the result of a bruised ego - of shattered pride. Instead of turning angry thoughts into destructive actions, let's work on developing a new attitude.
Promises For Us
In 1949 a little-known evangelist from North Carolina pitched a tent in Los Angeles and preached a series of revival meetings that launched the career of Billy Graham. Who could have known how many people he would ultimately reach? Imagine how many sophisticated west coasters looked down their tanned noses at this bumpkin with his tent and expected him to be laughed out of town. Billy took an incredible chance tackling a citadel of self-confident, materialistic post-war Americans. He felt it had to be done.
Esther was just one girl in a huge Persian harem. She was drafted into a charm and beauty contest for a chance to be named queen of Persia, and she won. King Xerxes didn't choose her to be queen because was outspoken; he had dumped Esther's predecessor for saying no to him. Esther's job was to be compliant and available.
When Esther dared to ask Xerxes to reverse a major law, she put her neck on the block for her people, the Jews. When you face really hard choices, angels don't hum in the background while God gives you directions in a crystal-clear voice. You act in the physical world and God acts in the spiritual world. You will know he's there - like Billy Graham and Esther did - by the outcome.
For Consideration
- What are some of the most difficult social and occupational positions to be obedient to God in?
- What do you think it takes to be true to God in high-profile, high-pressure positions?
